From move-in activities to a first-ever spirit rally, UC Santa Barbara kicks off a new year with a week’s worth of fun.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Welcome home, Gauchos’ and more news, events
Category: Cultural
Bilingual report — Child Passenger Safety Week: Protect your child with the right car seat
“Every child deserves to travel safely,” Sergeant Mark Knackstedt said. “We urge all parents and caregivers to know for sure that their children are in the right seats and that those seats are installed correctly. Keeping a child in the right seat for their age and size can make all the difference in a crash.”
Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers appointed to Santa Maria Fairpark Board
The board oversees the Santa Maria Fairpark, which serves as the premier event center in the Santa Maria Valley. As a subdivision of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the board is tasked with supporting the community by providing venues for education, recreation, entertainment, and by promoting agriculture, industry, commerce, and tourism.
13th Annual Ventura County Farm Day moves to Spring 2026
“We looked at planting schedules and weather and felt that a move to spring offered many benefits. It means the public can visit farms during the heart of the growing season,” says Caitlin Paulus Case, executive director of Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), the nonprofit that puts on Ventura County Farm Day each year. “We are expecting more farms to participate with new hands-on experiences and activities.”
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Join us for a NO-COST workshop series for businesses!
Join the City of Oxnard and EDC for this workshop series, which has been developed to help advance business formalization, financial resilience and strategic visibility among small businesses in Ventura County. It addresses core areas where entrepreneurs often face barriers—legal compliance, financial planning, and marketing execution—offering hands-on, actionable training that leads to real outcomes: formal registration, funding readiness and customer growth.
Santa Paula Art Museum — Come Hang Out With Us!
Creative Hang with
The One Oh One
?
Wednesday, September 24, from 6 PM to 9 PM
Free for everyone (food not included)
We’re excited to host The One Oh One’s September Creative Hang inside SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center! Mingle with fellow creatives while you enjoy live music by Matterform band. Anna’s Cider and brewLab Craft will keep you hydrated, and Chavas Tacos will be serving up yummy bites. The event is free for everyone (food is not included).
MORE INFO
Bilingual report — Ventura County residents are highly encouraged to take action to prevent mosquito breeding after recent rainfall
VENTURA — Mosquito activity is expected to increase following the rainfall from the remnants of Tropical Storm Mario. It is important now to prevent mosquito breeding and reduce the chances of being bitten by mosquitoes by emptying objects that collected water during the rain event.
Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency Welcomes Paul Chan as New Water & Sanitation Director
announce the appointment of Paul Chan, PE, CEM, as the new Director of Water & Sanitation. Chan brings more than 30 years of distinguished leadership in engineering, construction, and facilities management, with an extensive career of service in the U.S. military.
Bilingual report — September News from People’s Self-Help Housing
Lea en español | Received this from a friend? Subscribe! eNewsletter September 2025 It’s back-to-school season for our Camino Scholars! With a gift of $55/month, students will have the tools and support to build their confidence, stay engaged with their studies, and succeed all year long.…
Ventura County Superintendent of School — Hispanic Heritage Month, Logo Contest, College Readiness, and more…
VENTURA COUNTY — Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities.
In this video message, Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, reflects on the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month and shares some of his favorite family traditions. Keep an eye on VCOE’s social media throughout the month for special messages about Hispanic Heritage Month from our students and staff.
Bilingual report — Church Goals and the Canonization of Saints
The canonization of a saint is the culmination of a process that, in the eyes of the Catholic Church, creates a bridge between human and divine realms. The formal process of canonization has evolved over the centuries from a local affair to an intricate, institutionalized undertaking that is overseen by the pope himself.
Bilingual report — City of Ventura announces Spanish-language Community Emergency Response Team training coming this fall
VENTURA — To expand accessibility and ensure all residents have the opportunity to be prepared for emergencies, the City of Ventura, in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the City of Santa Paula, is offering a full Spanish-language Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training beginning this October.
The free, hands-on program is open to 40 participants from Ventura and Santa Paula and will run from October 9 through November 15, 2025. Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis with the application open through Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
Oxnard Film Society — THE MUSICIANS will screen on Sept. 22
“The premise of the film is incredibly fascinating. It’s very rare to see classical music on the big screens… – music, comedy, drama.”
Explore Lompoc — Where the vibe stays chill, even after dark
LOMPOC — Here in Lompoc, nightlife is about easy going good times. A relaxed drink with friends. A late bite after a day of wine tasting or hiking. Maybe some live music or a laid-back DJ set. You won’t find velvet ropes or booming nightclubs, but you will find a few friendly places to hang out and unwind when the sun goes down.
Ready for a mellow night out? These local spots keep the lights on just a little longer.
Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors to meeting on Sept. 23
Reuniones de la Junta de Supervisores en español
(Board of Supervisors’ Meetings in Spanish)
El Condado de Santa Bárbara está ofreciendo interpretación en español de las reuniones de la Junta de Supervisores. Véalo en vivo en nuestro canal de YouTube en español, o las personas suscritas a la televisión por cable pueden acceder a la programación secundaria de audio (SAP) en los ajustes de idioma.
Aún se requiere pedir con anticipación l
Bilingual report — Santa Paula Aims to Strengthen Community Protections Through Legal and Local Action
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula wishes to update the community on recent City Council actions concerning immigration-related issues and federal litigation. Last month, the City issued a statement clarifying that it had not been invited to join…
SEEAG adds Santa Barbara County Office, student and community agriculture learning programs during 2024-25 School Year
VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) expanded its reach by opening a new Santa Barbara County office and adding student and community learning programs during the 2024-25 school year.
SEEAG is a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect youth and communities to the farm origins of their food and inspire the next generations of agricultural ambassadors.
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Join us for a NO-COST workshop series for businesses!
Join the City of Oxnard and EDC for this workshop series, which has been developed to help advance business formalization, financial resilience and strategic visibility among small businesses in Ventura County. It addresses core areas where entrepreneurs often face barriers—legal compliance, financial planning, and marketing execution—offering hands-on, actionable training that leads to real outcomes: formal registration, funding readiness and customer growth.
This 3-workshop series will be conducted in English, with the option to answer questions in Spanish. Hands-on materials will be provided in both English and Spanish.
Historic glamour meets modern philanthropy at the Fashion Show benefiting Hearst Castle and the Monday Club
“This event beautifully demonstrates how community, history, and philanthropy can come together to create lasting impact,” said Doug Jenzen, Executive Director of the Foundation at Hearst Castle. “Funds raised will help conserve two rare 17th-century Peruvian tapestries and keep Hearst Castle’s treasures ready to inspire future generations.”
New West Symphony invites local residents to ‘Adopt-A-Musician’
VENTURA COUNTY — This year, local residents once again have the opportunity to Adopt-A-Musician with the New West Symphony—helping to sustain the cultural arts in Ventura County.
The benefits of adopting a musician include invitations to private rehearsal receptions, access to exclusive events with musicians, special recognition in concert programs, and unique experiences such as sitting on stage with the orchestra during a rehearsal.
Museum of Ventura County — Enfoque Guided Exhibit Tours in Santa Paula, more events
Enfoque Guided Exhibit Tours
Sunday, September 21
1 – 2 p.m.
@the Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula
Join us for a free, public tour of Enfoque led by members of our Latino Advisory Committee and Museum Docents. In a relaxed and reflective tour setting, explore themes of cultural identity through powerful images and stories—share perspectives, spark insight, and connect. Find out more information HERE.
Ventura County Credit Union continues ‘Year of Giving’ with $75,000 donation at VCFC ‘Unite to Community Action Ventura’ soccer game
VENTURA COUNTY — In its yearlong celebration of its 75th anniversary, Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU) reaffirmed its deep-rooted commitment to community wellbeing by presenting a $75,000 contribution to Community Action of Ventura County (Community Action VC) during the “VCFC Unite to Community Action Ventura” event on Saturday, Aug. 9. The presentation took place during the highly anticipated Ventura County FC (VCFC) soccer match, at VCCU’s exclusive “Member Soccer Night.”
Bilingual report — Public invited to upcoming Board of Supervisors hearing on the Comprehensive Updates to the County’s Initial Study Assessment Guidelines and CEQA Implementation Manual
VENTURA — The County of Ventura invites the public to attend a Board of Supervisors hearing on Tuesday, September 30, at 1:00 p.m. at 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, in the County Government Center, Hall of Administration, Board Hearing Room. At the hearing, the Board of Supervisors will consider approval of the County’s California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Implementation Manual and the Initial Study Assessment Guidelines (ISAGs), including the supplemental Noise and Vibration Assessment Guidelines. These key documents guide how the County evaluates environmental impacts of proposed projects in the unincorporated areas of the County. The Board will also consider an amendment to the General Plan, which is needed to accompany the updated ISAGs.
California Lutheran University receives more than $2.9 million in grant funding
HOUSAND OAKS — Hundreds of California Lutheran University students will receive additional support for achieving their educational goals, thanks to $2,937,168 in grant funding the university has received in 2025. The grants will increase access to targeted services for students facing financial challenges, provide opportunities for faculty advancement and facilitate building improvement.
“Cal Lutheran is more than a place of working and learning; it is life-giving,” said Cal Lutheran President John Nunes. “To that end, grant funding is an important way for us to strengthen our connection to our community and to provide life-giving academic tools for our students. These grants also enable our faculty to conduct cutting-edge research for the benefit of their field and teaching.”
Bilingual report — City of Ventura seeks applicants for Ventura Council for Seniors
VENTURA — The City of Ventura is now accepting applications for the Ventura Council for Seniors (VCS). This volunteer advisory group advocates for and improves the lives of the city’s older adult residents.
Applicants must:
Be a City of Ventura resident, age 60 or older
Be available to attend monthly meetings, held on the third Tuesday of each month from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center (550 N. Ventura Avenue)
LEAP receives National Diaper Need Awareness Week Proclamation
SANTA BARBARA — With one in two families struggling with diaper need, many parents are forced to skip meals or delay changing diapers to extend their supply. Fortunately, Santa Barbara County and partner nonprofits are working together to spread awareness and help alleviate the growing need for diapers in our community.
On Tuesday, September 16th, LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner. received a proclamation from the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors officially recognizing National Diaper Need Awareness Week, which takes place from September 15-21, 2025.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Scientists tune in to the surf’s hidden signals’ and more news, events
Panteón Fest, a celebration of Día De Los Muertos, will be held at Oxnard’s Heritage Square on Oct. 11
At Panteón Fest, Aztec drumbeats honor the departed, and traditional music fills the air. The desfilada procession brings the community together, with themed displays and entertainment, and a theatrical play showcases the traditions of Día De Los Muertos.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule
IN-PERSON EVENT: READY • SET • GROW: SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES
September 16, 23 and 30 @ 9:00 am
Join the City of Oxnard and Economic Development Collaborative for a 3-part series to help business owners improve legal compliance, financial planning and marketing. Participants will receive hands-on, practical training to achieve real results, such as official registration, funding readiness, and customer growth. This 3-workshop series will be conducted in English, with the option to answer questions in Spanish. Hands-on materials will be provided in both languages. Address: Oxnard Main Library, 251 S A St., Oxnard, CA, 93030.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department launches community questionnaire to help shape next strategic plan
VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department invites residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to participate in its Strategic Plan Community Questionnaire. This short, accessible feedback form, available in English and Spanish, gives the community a direct voice in shaping the department’s priorities and goals.
Bilingual report — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging to help with Medicare Open Enrollment
VENTURA — With the Medicare Open Enrollment period soon to begin, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) – part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency – will again be providing countywide resources and help.
Medicare Open Enrollment begins on Oct. 15 and runs through December. 7. HICAP counselors, who are registered by the California Department of Aging, provide free, unbiased Medicare counseling to the public.
Ventura Music Festival — Blues TOMORROW, more music next month!
From our friends at Ojai Underground, and sponsored by Ventura Music Festival, join us for THE CHRIS O’LEARY BAND. A devastatingly soulful vocalist, dynamic harmonica master, and superlative songwriter, Chris O’Leary is among the blues and roots world’s most talented unsung heroes.
Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. celebrates completion of Dolores Huerta Gardens Apartments: A new chapter for affordable housing in Oxnard
VENTURA COUNTY — Community leaders, elected officials, and labor rights icon Dolores Huerta gathered on Sept. 5, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of Dolores Huerta Gardens Apartments. This new affordable housing development from Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) brings 58 units specifically for farmworkers, veterans, and low-income families to Ventura County.
Named in honor of legendary civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, the new development reflects her lifelong fight for justice, equity, and the empowerment of working families. This property not only expands access to safe, affordable housing, but also stands as a symbol of resilience, dignity, and community transformation.
“Dolores Huerta Gardens is a foundation for families to build brighter futures,” said Victoria Brady, CEO of Cabrillo EDC. “This community reflects our deep commitment to providing safe, affordable housing for those who need it most, and to creating spaces where residents can truly thrive.”
Anonymous Heroes / Héroes Anónimos exhibit opening reception to be held at the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard on Sept. 12
OXNARD — … Anonymous Heroes / Héroes Anónimos highlights 29 selections from the Santa Paula Art Museum’s permanent collection, paying tribute to the resilience, creativity, and essential contributions of our farm workers. These “everyday heroes,” often unrecognized in historybooks, have shaped the cultural and economic fabric of Ventura County and beyond. Artists featured include: Carlos Almaraz, Judy Baca, Cornelis Botke, Sergio Hernandez, TonyJankowski, Xavier Montes, John Nichols, Gail Pidduck, Wihimina Puisifer, Kay B. Snodgrass, Eloy Torres, and Robert von Sternberg.
“Each image and artwork in this exhibition reminds us that behind every cultivated field and harvest lies a story of sacrifice, perseverance, and love for family,” reflects Ricardo Santana Velázquez, Consul of Mexico in Oxnard. “These are the stories of women and men who,even amid the challenges of the migratory context, continue to sow the future with their hands and unwavering spirit.”
Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) to present ‘Raising Justice’ community celebration and fundraiser in Ventura on Sept. 18
Just one week away is Raising Justice – our 19th annual community celebration and fundraiser! We want you there to celebrate our movement and support tenants, environmental justice, and immigrant workers.
Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara Presents Grupo Bella: A unique experience of blending the old Musica De Raiz with new and fresh sounds Sept. 18 through 21
FOUR FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES
Thursday, September 18 | 7 PM | Carpinteria Vets Memorial Building
Friday, September 19 | 7 PM Isla Vista Elementary
Saturday, September 20 | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall
Sunday, September 21 | 6 PM | Marjorie Luke Theatre
LULAC — Targeted by appearance: Immigration, race and the Constitution
Click here to register and join us in this important (virtual conversation on Sept. 16).
This session will bring together leading voices in law, democracy, and civil rights to:
Examine the ruling’s implications for constitutional protections, civil liberties, and immigrant communities.
Discuss what Congress and state governments can do to protect residents, strengthen oversight, and counter discriminatory enforcement.
Explore strategies for building broad coalitions capable of defending both democracy and civil rights in the face of aggressive enforcement.
Bilingual report — Gold Coast Health Plan achieves nationally recognized health equity accreditation
NCQA’s Health Equity Accreditation evaluates how well an organization complies with standards in the following areas: organizational readiness; race / ethnicity, language, gender identity and sexual orientation; access and availability of language services; practitioner network cultural responsiveness; culturally and linguistically appropriate services programs; and reducing health care disparities.
Museum of Contemporary Arts Santa Barbara — British Textile Biennial presents Sangre de Nopal/Blood of the Nopal: Learning from the Land at The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery, Lancashire, England
British Textile Biennial (BTB) is a free festival of contemporary art, commissioning artists and designers from all over the world to make work inspired by the context and legacy of the textile industry in East Lancashire and its global impact, often in the places that were created by it. This Autumn, British Textile Biennial (BTB) explores invention and innovation in textile production; through indigenous knowledge to space-age technology, from the earliest form of shelter, the tent, to space suits, and from plant-based dyes to the first polymers.
Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting to be held Sept. 16
Reuniones de la Junta de Supervisores en español
(Board of Supervisors’ Meetings in Spanish)
El Condado de Santa Bárbara está ofreciendo interpretación en español de las reuniones de la Junta de Supervisores. Véalo en vivo en nuestro canal de YouTube en español, o las personas suscritas a la televisión por cable pueden acceder a la programación secundaria de audio (SAP) en los ajustes de idioma.
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Eureka! members travel to Washington D.C. for week of advocacy and exploration
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is proud to celebrate a powerful milestone for its Eureka! program participants, who recently returned from an inspiring week-long trip to Washington D.C. filled with learning, exploration, and advocacy.
The trip offered girls the opportunity to explore the nation’s capital, visit world-class museums, tour college campuses, and meet directly with local representatives to discuss the issues that matter most to them.
Oxnard Film Society — Four virtuosos and four Stradivarius bring Music, Drama and Laughter on Sept. 15 with LES MUSICIENS
Our Fall season begins on Monday, September 15 with a film from France, LES MUSICIENS – “The premise of the film is incredibly fascinating. It’s very rare to see classical music on the big screens… – music, comedy, drama.”
Just a reminder to our patrons that I personally preview each film to insure a great viewing experience each and every Monday screening.
Museum of Ventura County expands office space in Camarillo to advance long-term vision for sustainable growth
VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County is beginning a new chapter in its long-term vision for sustainable growth. With donor support, the Museum is expanding into Camarillo while advancing its broader goals of amplifying the Museum’s countywide presence and strengthening its service to the community.
The Camarillo location extends the Museum’s reach closer to East Ventura County, complementing its main campus in downtown Ventura and its Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula. The new office will initially serve the Museum’s administrative staff, but the move will also lay the groundwork to increase capacity for its collections, archives, and research library in both Ventura and Camarillo.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Town hall highlights impact of federal budget cuts on research’ and more news, events
Budget cuts for science research were the topic of discussion at a meeting sponsored by the United Academic Workers local 4811 along with the campus, and featuring a visit by Rep. Salud Carbajal and comments from Vice Chancellor for Research Rachel Segalman.
Bilingual report — Thomas Hunt appointed director of the General Services Agency
“Thomas brings decades of hands-on experience and strategic leadership in facilities and engineering, which makes him uniquely qualified for this role,” stated Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer. “His deep understanding of both operational needs and long-term planning will strengthen our ability to maintain and improve critical County infrastructure. Ventura County will benefit greatly from his expertise as we continue to deliver reliable, high-quality services to our residents.”
Santa Paula Art Museum — Two Exhibits, One Weekend!
Harvey Cusworth’s “Visions of Conejo Valley and the Malibu Coast”
Opens at the Santa Paula Art Museum
Saturday, September 13, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM Members • $10 Non-members
Bilingual report — Step up for safer streets: Ventura recognizes September as Pedestrian Safety Month
VENTURA — September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California, and the City of Ventura reminds drivers and walkers alike to take extra care when sharing streets. Whether you’re heading to school, work, or enjoying Ventura’s neighborhoods, walking should always be a safe and easy option.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,148 pedestrians were killed in traffic collisions across the United States in 2024. In California alone, pedestrian deaths account for over 24% of all traffic-related fatalities.
United Way of Ventura County — Consider joining our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) team
Help low-income families and individuals improve their financial security. Consider joining our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) team of tax preparers and interviewers for the 2025 Tax Year. Volunteers prepare federal and state tax returns at no cost, assisting clients to access the tax credits for which they are eligible. Services will be provided at multiple sites across Ventura County offering the opportunity to volunteer during the day, in the evening, or on Saturday.
Bilingual commentary — The AI Arms Race in the Job Market
In the 1970s, in a more prosperous country, company “headhunters” were pursuing us even before we graduated from college. Sometimes we ended up with several job offers. Our “dilemma” was having to choose from among them.
I sympathize with today’s college graduates. Today, untold numbers of graduates are experiencing a superabundance of frustration as they submit, sometimes literally, hundreds of their résumés online to a wide range of companies.
Rebozo Festival announces 2026 Grant Application now open
CAMARILLO — Rebozo Festival, Inc., is pleased to announce that awards of up to $30,000 will be granted to qualified non-profit organizations that focus on the cultural, social and/or educational needs of the Ventura County community. The application process will open September 4th and will close September 30th, 2025, at 5:00 pm.